Every year, 14% of Iowans will experience a problem related to gambling. Problem gambling affects many people and may disproportionately affect teens and young adults.

Despite gambling being illegal for those under the age of 21, more than half of teens gamble. Iowa data shows over 20% of teens had bet on sporting events and 25% had played card or dice games.

Gambling for teens can be riskier than for adults, because teens have twice the rate of problem gambling compared to adults.

Adolescent gambling statistics

14%

Iowans who experience a problem with gambling

>50%

Teens who gamble

67%

College students who participate in sports betting

$500+

Amount lost in a single day on sports betting

 

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When does gambling become a problem?

For people who practice low-risk gambling guidelines, gambling can be a form of entertainment that doesn't negatively impact their life.

Low-risk gambling activities 

These behaviors can indicate that your gambling is considered "low-risk."

  • Has a set amount of money and stops when it’s gone
  • Avoids large bets and high stakes
  • Only gambles with friends or in social settings
  • Only care to have fun and don't worry about the money or losing

Signs of problem gambling

These symptoms can indicate an issue with gambling:

  • Feeling anxious or restless when not gambling
  • Constantly thinking about gambling
  • Placing increasingly large bets
  • Lying to friends and family about the extent of your gambling
  • Borrowing money to either gamble or payback a debt from gambling
  • Changes in financial situations
  • Trying but not being able to quit
  • Considering committing an illegal act to get money to gambling
  • Thoughts of suicide
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Risk factors

These risk factors may increase the chances of problem gambling.

  • Starting to gamble from a young age, studies show that children who gamble are 4 times more likely to struggle with problem gambling when they get older
  • Being male - men are more likely to suffer from problem gambling than women
  • Personality traits such as being impulsive, highly competitive, workaholic, and easily bored/restless
  • Living near casinos or gambling venues
  • Struggling with a substance abuse disorder or other mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or personality disorders
  • Having a parent or family member who struggles with problem gambling 
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Sports betting

Sports betting has become increasingly popular in Iowa in recent years. Mobile betting apps make it easier for teens and college students to access illegal gambling. However, betting on sporting events poses the same risks as "traditional" gambling, including financial problems, relationship problems, declining work or job performance, and more.

Student athletes have a greater risk for developing problems related to gambling. Factors that may contribute to this are personality traits like being highly competitive and a need for excitement, which are common traits among athletes.

Even though the NCAA has prohibited all kinds of sports gambling for student athletes, many athletes continue to choose to engage in sports gambling. The NCAA found that at least one in four male student athletes reported engaging in sports betting.

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